Featuring David Bergeron, URI alumnus and Former Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education during the Obama administration

Abstract:

Disruptions have happened in higher education before. Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the 2008-09 recession each have had profound impacts on higher education. What can we learn from recent disruptions? And what does that tell us about the days ahead in response to COVID-19? 

David A. Bergeron served as the assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education during the Obama Administration. In this position, Bergeron acted as the education secretary’s chief adviser on higher education issues and administered more than 60 grant and loan programs that provide nearly $3 billion annually to institutions of higher education and community-based organizations. He currently serves as a senior fellow for Postsecondary Education at the Center for American Progress. A link to Bergeron’s full bio can be found here.